While Run-D.M.C.'s chest-thumping reclamations of its prominence grow tiresome through the course of the disc -- they need to do more showing than telling -- the good news is that the tracks helmed by the group ("Crown Royal," "Aye Papi," "Ash," and "Simmons Incorporated") show that its own creative touch is still intact.

It’s not just that Crown Royal is a mediocre album; it’s how it manages that feat. Run-DMC, former trendsetters, now seem to be chasing after every pop fad in the book, including the ones they helped start.

On Crown Royal, Run DMC are looking back so much that their necks must be permanently turned in that direction. Not only does nearly every track attest to how legendary Run DMC are, nearly every track also quotes directly from at least one song off their first four albums. It gets downright pathetic, every song bringing out a strong feeling of déjà vu.

The musical equivalent of Willie Mays stumbling around in the outfield years after his skills were gone, Crown Royal fails in the most arbitrary, impersonal way possible, piling on so many ringers that Run DMC often seems like a guest at its own party.

i will always remain a fan of their past work that put them on the map with their unique style. but sadly this one sounds very uninspired andi will always remain a fan of their past work that put them on the map with their unique style. but sadly this one sounds very uninspired and poorly done and will easily be forgotten in time.…Full Review »

ChrisH

Jan 12, 2007

5

Some catchy songs, but far too many guest spots & commercialism. It's a shame that hip-hop's pioneers had to go out like this.